Still Alive…

But trapped behind multiple boxes and exhausted from the heat. Yuck.

We are moved in, but have been finding problems the way you do when you move into a new place. The most annoying? They didn’t tape the pipe joints downstairs so they are almost completely rusted shut and are not attached to the wall.

Other than that, still alive and kicking…luckily it feels like today is going to be cooler than hotter so I might actually touch up the paint in the various rooms today quickly to get that done with. Radiators are a pain in the ass to paint behind.

Milestones

In the past 3 days, I have had 3 milestones of various size. The first is silly and only means anything to me as this is my 100th posting here.

The second, is that I am a homeowner. We have already made our mark on the house by ripping down wallpaper and writing on the walls. Already have had the first drinks, the first family visit, and the first cooking in the house.

The third, is that today is my birthday. Today, I am 30…and I had a bunch of wonderful people come out last night to participate in a scavenger hunt that I made (apparently very hard) and then drink with me. They even bought me a ride on the carousel on the Greenway.  I have not had a great year…but I think the tide might be turning. I feel blessed and loved and happy…and that hasn’t happened in a long time.

Today, I am going to go play skee ball, because everyone should do that as much as possible. And then I shall go to my Grandma’s house for dinner, presents, children running around, cake, and loveliness. Yeah!

Home

Today, I have become a homeowner.

Ha!

More later.

Crime…

So, if you read Universalhub.com on a regular basis, you would probably think that everyone in East Boston is being mugged, shot, stabbed, punched, and generally living in a combat zone. Out of the last 10 reports on Eastie, 8 have to do with crime.

I know that crime happens in East Boston, however, our major crime has been in decline over the last few years (As seen in this pdf here (East Boston is the A-7 district)).

It would be nice if Eastie were mentioned for some of the great things to do…perhaps some help is needed in finding those out?

1. Constitution Beach: I would not suggest swimming here because it is a fairly enclosed body of water with airplanes flying overhead, but it is a great place to go play frisbee or to watch planes take off and land. They also have a great little playground for kids of all different ages and an ice skating rink that has public skating. (Bennington Street near Orient Heights)
2. Belle Isle Marsh: The last of the salt marshes in Boston proper, Belle Isle is not only people friendly but dog friendly. A great big area for dogs to run around, just watch out for ticks and the occasional coyote or skunk. It is also a great place to go birdwatching. There is ample parking and is T accessible from Suffolk Downs.
3. East Boston Piers Park: Beautiful park! Lovely views of the skyline and a bunch of interesting art installations.
4. Madonna Queen National Shrine: 35 foot tall statue of the Madonna. It is an interesting statue and has a great view of the city and airport.
5. Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery: A coworker told me that the name translates to “Those who love peace” . This cemetery was created in 1844 as the first legally established Jewish cemetery in the state.  Because there was no sacred ground in the area, Jews were sent to Rhode Island, the West Indies, or Europe for burial.  This is a historic cemetery, but still used and is tucked away.  The building next to it used to be a small school and the congregation is located in Brookline.(Information taken/adapted from The Bostonian Society) (Wordsworth and Horace Streets)

And then there is the food:

• Rincon Limeño Restaurant: Great Peruvian food…who knew they put their food on top of french fries? Brilliant! (Chelsea Street)
• Belle Isle Lobster and Seafood: Where else in the city can you eat your food while feeling like you are in a scene from Wayne’s World (the part when the plane flies over them and they are arguing)? Great food, but they only take cash. (Saratoga Street going into Winthrop (RT 145)).
• El Paisa: Tasty tasty Colombian food. They change the menu every once in a while and are now serving brunch. (Bennington Street)
• 303 Cafe: Have not been here yet, but they have a strong focus on craft beers and have trivia. (Maverick Square)
• Betty Ann Food Shop: Where else can you get donuts that are cooked in a coal fired stove for next to nothing? They have lemon, sugar, plain, round, crullers…and they also serve brownies, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods at a reasonable price. They have odd hours, though, so pay attention!

So, much more to Eastie than just crime, gangs, and angry people…history, great food, and some real hidden gems for people to discover.